Authors Books

Becky's back and better than ever in this second book about superhero wanna-be Becky Miller. Becky takes on more than she can handle, thinking that her optimism and enthusiasm will solve it all. Becky has the best of intentions, wanting to be a person able to do it all, but she unexpectedly finds that her set-backs help her to move forward again in a more reasonable fashion.

Injured in a car accident at the end of the first book, The Secret Life of Becky Miller, Becky is forced to slow down her own agenda and override her persistent need to be everything for everyone. She exudes good cheer and an overly helpful nature throughout the second book as well, apparently not realizing that she does have limitations on what (and whom) she is actually able to fix. But when the flood from her own rising problems threatens to drown her, Becky still doesn't have the common sense to get out of the water. She finds herself continuing to do laps in water that is way, way over her head.

Becky exemplifies the scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me,`My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (NIV) This novel reminds us that despite our best efforts, we still need to rely on God for our true strength. Becky ultimately learns this lesson - again - that when her strength is insufficient, then God is able to work it out in his perfect way and in his perfect timing.

Renovating Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck is wildly funny, poignant in many ways, and touching throughout. This is truly a fantastic novel by a fantastic author. And if you missed the first book, don't wait... get out there or get online and buy both of these little gems for your collection. You'll be glad you did.

Becky Miller's daydreams provide her with momentary escape from the situations in which she finds herself as she becomes the heroine of each exciting movie-vision. Then she bumps back to earth when she suddenly finds herself immersed in a real-life adventure similar to what she imagines. Becky's car accident left her with a permanent limp, but her busy lifestyle convinces her she doesn't have time for her daily therapy. In fact, Becky doesn't have time for much of anything except dealing with one crisis after another. When her best-laid plans fall through, Becky realizes she must bring her life under control, but she never imagines how God will help her accomplish her goal.

With Renovating Becky Miller, Sharon Hinck delivers a second great mom lit book, because Becky is every woman who questions what God wants her to do and how best to fulfill God's plan for her life. Hinck writes interesting characters who struggle with the real-life problems of busy women. She portrays Minnesota's Twin City area with accuracy and detail, including the huge Halloween snowstorm that occurred a few years ago. By the end of the book, you'll want to invite Becky over for tea, because she you'll feel as though she's a good friend.

I didn't read the first of these two books and sometimes that is a great problem. But in this case, the author brought me up-to-date and created the new story in a seamless fashion. I plunged into Becky's story, wondering what in the world she would do with all these problems and thoroughly identifying with her humor and determination. The book was a satisfying read.

Becky Miller is a full time wife, mom, and church worker. And then her mother-in-law moves in. She says it's only temporary, but it's obvious she can't live alone. Becky and her husband, Kevin, dream of a house in the country and they find one that needs a lot of fixing, but it's in their price range, and they plan to do the work themselves as much as possible. Becky has a lot on her plate. Kevin seems to have something on his mind, but refuses to talk about it, and her mother-in-law, Rose, is an expert at snide put-downs. The church wants her to work full time, and there's the hassle of moving. Don't these people realize she can't do it all? But then again, she's Becky Miller, Superwoman. She can handle it--maybe.

Sharon Hinck has a great sense of humor, and Renovating Becky Miller is laugh-out-loud funny. Like most of us, Becky Miller discovers she can't do it all. Perfection isn't something we can attain, no matter how hard we try. As Becky points out, sometimes renovation is an "inside job" Another good story in the Becky Miller series.

Reading books written in first person is not usually my first choice, but I found Renovating Becky Miller so enticing that I forgot it was in first person.

Sharon Hinck drew me into the book by opening each chapter with a daydream Becky Miller was indulging herself in. In each chapter, Becky loses herself in a movie she and her husband have seen on their weekly date nights.

Becky Miller's life is not easy. She's a mother, a wife, has a part-time job at her church working with the women's ministries, and is disabled, just to add a little icing to her cake of a life.

Already harrying, Becky's life is complicated by the purchase of a new home for her family. What looked like the perfect solution to a cramped home life turns into a renovation nightmare for Becky and husband Kevin.

Will their marriage survive? Will the family survive? Will Becky remain sane, or will she lose herself in one of her daydreams and never come home?

I kept turning pages of Renovating Becky Miller partly because I had to know what Sharon would use as her next chapter opening, but mostly because I became engrossed in Becky's life. I laughed and I cried and now I have to go back and find the first book in Sharon's series about Becky Miller, The Secret Life of Becky Miller.

By the way, I guessed most of the titles of the movies Sharon uses as chapter opening scenarios, but in case you don't recognize them, there is a list of them at the end of the book.

J.C. Ryle warns the reader in a compelling way to flee worldly temptations and sinful lusts and to meditate on things above. He shows that only godly living brings true contentment in life.

I wish someone had went through this exhortation with me back in my teens or early twenties. This is a must read for every young man and even for middle aged and older men. This is the kinda talk a father would have with a son, and Ryle is very easy to read and understand, yet the wisdom he passes on is crucial and very important for all men. This is a straight forward heart to heart talk about what really matters in life. Thank you J.C. Ryle.

I bought this for my son, I read it first and have greatly enjoyed this read. It is still a message for young men of today. I would highly reccommend.

Great conservative ideas for keeping young men pure. Though written quite awhile ago, the ideas are really timeless.

J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) was the first Bishop of Liverpool (Anglican Church). This book is a short yet passionate plea of a man in the latter years of life who was no doubt qualified to address young men. Page after page one finds that this booklet is full of truths that are no less relevant today than as when they were written more than a hundred years ago.

The books is divided into four sections with a conclusion. In section one, Ryle begins with reasons for his exhorting young men. In section two, he then focuses on five specific dangers which young men to be warned of (e.g. pride, the love of pleasure, the fear of man's opinions, etc.). In section three, he outlines some general suggestions which he entreats young men to receive and then in section four he lays down some practical specific "rules of conduct" which he strongly advises young men to follow. Ryle then concludes with the results of heeding such exhortations as he has laid out.

I read this book on a bus ride to the mall . . . and I'm so grateful that I did. In the preface to the book, J.C. Ryle wrote this:

"I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most distinct recollection of the joys and the sorrows, the hopes and the fears, the temptations and the difficulties, the mistaken judgments and the misplaced affections, the errors and the aspirations, which surround and accompany a young man's life. If I can only say something to keep some young man in the right way, and preserve him from faults and sins, which may mar his prospects both for time and eternity, I shall be very thankful" (p.5).

Well J.C., you did your job with me--thanks. While I know men such as him are not popular nowadays, I cannot do justice to my own conscience if I do not say that his exhortations are more practical and timely than many of today's most popular authors.

This is the BOOK..., that will PROVOKE you into the HEALING process. The poem "The Apology" was there when my life was lying at the 'dark door' of depression. It was this POEM that resuscitated 'me', with the desire to hear the voice of GOD..., to walk into the purpose GOD called for my life.

If "YOU'RE" feeling like a VICTIM..., feeling abused or aching from a broken heart......, READ this book !!!

Just what the books states, "A time of healing". To know we can heal and move on with our lives is so important in our survival. This poem in itself was very real for a lot of women. To have two very important words spoken to our soul and our spirit has been not only refreshing to us but also very healing. Yes, it is very important for us to hear the words "I'm sorry" for what has happened to you in your life, in your relationship, it is reassuring to know there someone out there does care how we as "Mothers, Wives, Sisters, Friends" feel not only outward but also inward.

Thank you again my friend,

Beverly

This book touches the root of of the problem. It helps you answer the why's, how's,and remember the when's and where's for the problems and answer you have been saerching for years.
Then it laids an sense of peace in your spirit. Because, I think you cannot completely heal until you get to the source. Some are generation curses. But once we digg those roots, we begin to heal. Omega helps us heal!!!

I anxiously awaited the arrival of my copy of "A Time Of Healing" and I was not disappointed. While reading the book I felt like McCoo was writing my journal, my story, the story of many women & men. I truly enjoyed reading it and could not put it down once I began. I cannot wait to read his next book.

Upon receiving my copy of "A Time of Healing", I read it from cover to cover the very same day. I could not put it down. Every poem in this book touched a part of my past or present and brought tears to my eyes. Not tears of sorrow, but tears of letting go, tears of healing. The emotions surrounding all the poems were so intimately captured- they where very real, very personal, and relevant to many of our experiences. The poetry has appeal for women currently going through good and bad relationships. The emotions expressed are timeless, and I can't imagine that anyone, regardless of their own particular situation, wouldn't be moved or wouldn't be able to relate to the contents. God bless you Omega!! Thank you for being obedient to His will.

Frankie, a young mother, moves to Palo Alto with her family in the early 60s when her husband takes a job in the newly emerging technology industry. Intrigued by the women she sees gathering with their children at the playground across from her house, she shyly joins them; and a bond is formed that ties them together through the dawning women's revolution, personal triumphs and travails, and their cautious, unsure steps into writing.

The Wednesday Sisters is an engaging read that's hard to put down until you're done. Clayton's characters are sharply drawn - women you won't want to leave when the book ends. This is a great read!

As I've gone back to re-read some of my favorite summer books, I've noticed that they all have a similar smell. It's a very comforting combination of sunscreen, chlorine, pink lemonade and chocolate chip cookies. Just picking these books up make me think of lazy hot days when I could read for hours and hours and just take a vacation from the world.

While not great literature, Meg Waite Clayton's The Wednesday Sisters could end of being one of those books for me. Just like once ever few years, I need to revisit the world of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, I can see myself yearning to travel back to Palo Alto of the late 1960's/early 1970's and become reacquainted with Brett, Ally, Linda, Kath and Frankie. These five women, their relationships to one another, to writing, to books, to their world and the changes they experience...create an immediately engrossing world that I was very happy to be a part of for a day.

"The Wednesday sisters look like the kind of women who might meet at those fancy coffee shops on University - we do look that way - but we're not one bit fancy, and we're not sisters, either. We don't even meet on Wednesdays, although we did at the beginning. We met at the swings at Pardee Park on Wednesday mornings when our children were young. It's been thirty-five years, though - more than thirty-five! - since we switched from Wednesdays at ten to Sundays at dawn. Sunrise, whatever time the light first crests the horizon that time of year. It suits us, to leave our meeting time up to the tilt of the earth, the track of the world around the sun."

I loved this opening paragraph. To start the book knowing only that it's called The Wednesday Sisters and then have the main character immediately contradict that - I love it. I was sucked in right away and wanted to know more about these non-sister sisters.

Their voices, their stories, their experiences...all ring so true. Even though the book takes place "before my time', I can relate to their insecurities, their doubts about the choices they've made, their wondering about how they fit into the world. Some novels about groups of women friends don't work for me, either because all of the women are too flawed, too damaged, or alternatively, the women are too unique, too delightful and wacky...but these women seem real. They cook macaroni and cheese for their kids when they're tired, they drink Kool-Aid if it's on hand and yet they also love to read and aspire to be published writers one day. They're interested in civil rights and the woman's movement enough to observe what's going on, but many times they are too hesitant to get involved. In their world, part of their world, but maybe not changing their world. Which I think is true for many of us.

This book is a good mix of the ideal female friendships we would all like to be a part of (and some of us are) and real life friendships. The ones where we meet to shop or drink wine or see a movie...but sometimes when the going gets rough, we're too overwhelmed to take on the burden of a casual friend's depression or infidelity or illness.

The main character, Frankie, is a good example of a woman who is a good friend all of the time, but not a great friend some of the time. She admits her discomfort when she finds out one of her new friends is in a marriage she (Frankie) would find unsuitable. She turns a blind eye to another's pretty obvious illness and rarely asks the probing questions that would reveal the truth behind many falsehoods. Still, when it matters, she is there for her friends as they are for her.

I liked that Frankie is narrating the book as her future self, but doesn't let her self of the past get away with anything. She admits to her faults and her failures - making me like her more than has the past been glossed over.

The Wednesday Sisters provided a wonderful way for me to spend a sunny day when I was lucky enough to have nothing better to do than to sit on my deck and read. And yet - more than the scent of sunscreen and lemonade will linger now that I have finished it. Brett, Ally, Linda, Kath and Frankie are now characters I take with me - their words evoking a time and place I can only see in my mind's eye.

"That afternoon when we first saw Brett's scarred hands, though, I thought only that those hands were her hands, that she wouldn't be Brett without them, with or without her gloves. I took one scarred hand in mine, and Kath, across the picnic table from her, did too, and then we had all joined hands, even Linda. We just sat there, not saying anything, just sitting together as the sun rose above the trees, as the sky lightened from pink to blue and the shadows shortened and the day became just another Sunday to the people waking in the houses around us. Men strapping on running shoes to run marathons. Toddlers dragging stuffed bears they'd cuddled since the moment they were born. Husbands and wives spooning together. Little girls placing their fingers on white piano keys, then reaching up for the black."

Wonderful, comfortable, evocative words that I know I will savor again.

Five women - Frankie, Kath, Linda, Brett, and Ally - meet in their neighborhood park starting in the late 1960s. Together they write, read each others' writing, and weather all that life has in store for them.

Author Meg Waite Clayton hit the nail on the head with this one! I know I'm not saying much, but that's because I'm trying not to squee, which I know is not conducive to reviews. What can I say about The Wednesday Sisters without squeeing? The Wednesday Sisters really touched something in me - both their experiences writing and their experiences outside of writing. I had never really thought about what life was like for women just older than my mother, who was in junior high at the time of this novel. I knew that women have made strides forward in the last forty years, but I had no idea just how large those strides have been - imagine not being allowed in the New York Marathon simply because of your plumbing!

As an aspiring writer myself, this book is a treasure. It reminds me that writing is not just making one draft, and that even if you get sixty-two rejections, send it out again; number sixty-three could be an acceptance. That I don't have to write a great first draft, or even second draft - that's what revision and editing is for. That even though I'm just me, I can and should write and aspire to be published.

The Wednesday Sisters is a gem. I highly recommend it to all women, to aspiring writers, and to friends, or anyone with friends. So, everyone, basically. In fact, I've already asked my mother to read it, and believe that her book club will love this book.

"The Wednesday Sisters look like the kind of women who might meet at those fancy coffee shops on University --- we do look that way --- but we're not one bit fancy, and we're not sisters, either. We don't even meet on Wednesdays anymore, although we did at the beginning."

So begins Meg Waite Clayton's lyrical novel of the friendships forged among five different women who come together by chance. In the tumultuous years of the late 1960s, many females were involved in protest marches opposing the war or fighting for the women's movement. But in suburban Palo Alto, five ladies came together primarily because of their children. Being a mother is the first thing they had in common when they met at Pardee Park in those early days. Soon after, Frankie, Linda, Kath, Brett and Ally discovered that they all shared a love of books and a secret wish to write themselves. For Frankie --- a recent transplant from Chicago, with her husband and two kids --- to utter a desire out loud, even among friends, was terrifying: "It doesn't seem like much now, I know, to admit ambition to your closest friends. I guess you'll have to take my word for it: it was. It makes me a little sad when I look back on it, to think how very many women didn't have Wednesday Sisters, to wonder who they might have become if they had."

In admitting their passion for writing, the "Wednesday Sisters" begin to nourish lifelong bonds among themselves that transcend their literary goals. Linda, the frank, sometimes tactless one, lives with the fear that the disease that took her mother when she was young might do the same to her: "I grew up the child of a sick mother, and then the child of a dead mother. I couldn't imagine going back to that. I couldn't imagine putting my kids through that." Kath is a spitfire Southern belle dealing with issues in her complicated marriage. Brett is the ladylike brain, always attired in white gloves that conceal a hidden tragedy from her past. Ally is demure and soft-spoken, crumbling under the weight of fertility issues, who desperately wants to write a children's book to rival CHARLOTTE'S WEB.

When they first begin to meet on that playground, as their children play around them, each is taking a decisive step to move past her fears and express herself through writing. And in the words of Robin Morgan's seminal anthology from that time, they prove that "Sisterhood is Powerful." As they gain confidence in their writing and critiquing ability, they notice they are beginning to turn their keen eyes on the world that is changing all around them.

From the outset, they gather to watch the Miss America Pageant each year. At first, they enjoy it as frothy entertainment, but later they witness how the women's movement has affected this annual event, even their own opinions of femininity and what it means to be female. Through their weekly meetings and unwavering support, each faces moments when she flourishes and, yes, sometimes flounders. And each is buoyed by the others' strength and fortitude, through some of life's most difficult obstacles. Their little writing group has blossomed into something more --- it has become the foundation of lifelong friendships.

Meg Waite Clayton's stirring novel will appeal not just to those who secretly wish to be writers, but to anyone with a love of great books; anyone who has felt truly moved by a book or an author; and anyone who has had their dreams bolstered by good and faithful friends. It will speak volumes to fans of THE FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB and THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB. You'll want to share THE WEDNESDAY SISTERS with anyone who believes in the power of a good book --- to inspire those close to us, and for those who inspire.

--- Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller

In the late 1960s the five young mothers meet in Palo Alto at a park. They have plenty in common as they dream of being much more than just a wife and mother while hearing tales of the counter culture and the Summer of Love. The quintet love books especially those they can escape into so they can forget their somewhat tedious lives especially the household chores, but each sees a different role for the lead female characters based on what they dream they wanted.

Linda loves to run with the Olympics her fantasy goal. Brett literally wants to walk on the moon. Kath insists marriage is all she ever desired, but her four new pals with their aspirations make her wonder if there might be something in addition to being wife and mother. Ally, the only one without a child, wants a kid or three. The leader Midwesterner Frankie, who came to California as her husband came here to work at the fledgling computer business, hopes to be come a writer. THE WEDNESDAY SISTERS inspire each other to go after their aspirations and much more even when they seem impossible in a man's only world by writing and sharing their tales.

This historical sisterhood tale is an engaging look at the beginning of the "You've come a long way baby" feminist movement that brought women into many fields previously taboo epitomized by Hilary's run (the next one will go all the way). Each of the five women seems real due to their dreams to be more than identified through their husband and kids. Although their individual writings are too sweet even if they read valid for their place in late 1960s society, fans will enjoy this fine tale as before Sally Ride there was a real Brett out there trying to break out of the box.

Harriet Klausner

A great book with many lighthearted, thought provoking stories. It gives real life situations in which everyone can relate. It is definately a book that you would read on more than one occassion. I have recommended it to all of my friends....

This is a great book to read together with a non-Christian. No matter the religious beliefs of your friend, he or she will find Babb's writing witty and entertaining. But the nuggets of Christian truth are written in a non-threatening way that can foster conversation on to something deeper.

This book can simultaneously tickle your funny bone and bring a tear to your eye! The author has laced this book with precious memories and experiences of his own that are relative to mine, and he does it with great perception and wisdom in the "lessons." Both humor and insight--there's not a better combination!

What an uplifting and inspirational book! Martin Babb has a way of making real life situations down right hysterical. Babb has an amazing ability to make you smile and laugh all while learning a valuable lesson. This is a book that I could read over and over!

This book was not only funny and entertaining, but each story had a thought provoking message that hit home. Babb took everyday situations that we all encounter and made us realize how they fit into our life as Christians. This is a book you can read over and over again.

Thao thank you for showing Michael all of this. I am greatly inspired by the truth being shared in this manner.

I am blown away by this book, and what the author describes he was shown during his trip. His account confirms living in lower gravity, in harmony and love, the way of living, all serving one intention without monetary system, the dwelling places, Earth politics compared to true governing, the history of our planet, so much of what many of us have seen ourselves. The loving light energy he describes is very real. I bless and thank Michel for publishing his report. Read it, you will love it, it will open your eyes!

The book advises us that we should understand and know using your logic rarther than blind believing.There are military secrets that were classified that the author shouldn't have any knowledge of them when it was written.The proof exists in your mind.The book is great to be read along the freedom of choice.(thiaoouba.com)

There will always be sceptics. No matter what proof you give them they won't believe you. This is why Michel Desmarquet from Australia were given no physical evidence about what happened to him in 1985. Instead, he wrote a book about his experience: A journey to another planet on the other side of the galaxy. There he met advanced beings, the supervisors of the planet Earth, and was told to write a book with a message they have to the people of our planet.

The beings watching us won't make our homework for us. They would love if all people on this planet woke up and if the leaders knew the direction to lead the people, but it doesn't work like that. People need to wake up individually, and realize by themselves that going against nature won't bring anything but misery to this civilization. They would never show themselves openly here, because it will just create another flock of followers.

When you read this book, aside from getting explained about Earths history from the first man on Earth to present time, you will know what can be done and what you can achieve all by yourself, and together with people, without having to surrender your free will to anyone. If you can push the sceptic aside and realize that proof need to arise nowhere else but in your own intellect.

Remember that the sceptics have limited knowledge. Whereas your imagination is unlimited...

This book is incredible!. You will have a hard time putting it down on the first read and having to come back to it for 2-3 re-reads to fully digest the content. For those who can fathom a reality as outrageous as the size of our universe (billion stars in each of a billion galaxies etc) you will find the details in this book give perspective on earth and human history on it. It also gives a spiritual perspective beyond a single life giving perspective to one's soul journey. The cost is small and the effect on the reader's paradigm shift is immeasurable, buy it, read it, consider its truth's. Even if you take it all as fiction your life will be profoundly affected by this story.

I enjoy the adventure in all these books and particularly like the fact that there is a series of books and they have the same characters.

A famous writer is coming to Green Lawn, but after the writer doesn't show up for a book signing event in the Book Nook, Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose are worried.
Later in Dink's letter it says the the writer was probly kidnapped.
SO they started investingation, was the auther really kidnapped and by whom?
You need to read the book and find out!

My eight year old grandson is avid reader. He reads 2 years ahead of his grade level in school. I always think of books for my grandkids as gifts. When his birthday was coming, I came looking for books. I found this series. They are called the A-Z mysteries. I bought the first ten books A-J and they were such a success. He loves everyone of them. I am going to buy more of them to use as gifts for good report cards, etc. I think that books are the most important gift that you can give to a child and these books are great.

I like everything about the kidnapping stuff. I like Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose. I think the pictures should be in color.
It was a good mystery.

I wanted to get a beginner's chapter book for my almost 6-year-old daughter. I thought about Junie B. Jones or the Magic Tree House series, but I was turned off by Junie's poor grammar (or at least the author's attempt to make her sound like a "real" 6-year-old), and by the Magic Tree House's female character being "dreamy" while her brother was "logical". This book managed to avoid those caveats, while still being an entertaining read for my daughter. I wasn't sure at first if she could follow a chapter book on her own, with illustrations only appearing every 3 pages or so, so I read her the first two chapters last night. This morning, the first thing she reached for was that book. Instead of getting up and watching Saturday morning cartoons, she sat in bed, ate a banana, and finished her new book. I couldn't ask for anything better.

Maya Angelou's poetry is so phenomenal. And the power of her voice reading her own words, is really moving.

Maya Angelou's reading of poetry is moving to the point ot tears and laughter. I highly recommend it.

This audiobook arrived in about a week and was in the condition advertised. Overall, I was satisfied with the transaction and would purchase from this seller again.

...Invictus is by William E. Henley......I do not like much poetry.....but 'Still I Rise', is one of the most moving and powerful pieces of literature of our day. You can feel the rumblings of motivation rising within you as you read it---it summons the power of our ancestors as you read it... YOU FEEL this poem with all your heart--or I fear you have no heart and you remember that feeling for years after you have read it!
It is a magnificent poem that the author not only wrote, but earned through her own life.
This book would make excellent Christmas gifts of inspiration.

This book is filled with wonderful, powerful poetry that really awakened me to the troubles of African Americans in that time of history. Diego Rivera's paintings in the book are staggering and breathtaking. This is a must-see for any ameteur or lover of poetry.

The book definitely wears the title well. A wonderful truth revealing walk in the thoughts and reality of the community and a home in the average life of a strong and motivated against the odds woman.

If you wanna know a real "Woman's Worth", then the journey Stacey McAdoo takes you on in "Baring My Soul" will give you the true meaning of the trials and tribulations not of just a black woman in the south,but as a woman period. Many of you who take this journey with her, may not be able to relate to her experiences, but you can learn from them. Mrs. McAdoo puts herself out there on the line in ways most people wouldn't dream about. It was refreshing to see someone who has nothing to hide and her words may well force you to deal with difficulties of your own. Wonderful job!

I really enjoyed the book. When I need a reality check or some uplifting, I pick up the book and re-read specific chapters. The book "Baring My Soul" is very inspirational. It made me laugh, cry and go hmmmmmmm! I am waiting on "Baring My Soul II" because I feel that there was so much yet to be told and now I would like to know about how Stacey & her family have dealt with the loss of her brother.

In a crowded airport, as I sat impatiently awaiting my delayed flight, I began to read "Baring My Soul". I thought I was just going to skim through a couple of pages and just sorta waste time. I bought the book outta of support and because of a referral, without having a clue as to what it was going to be about. And boy, was I in for a shocker. The people at the airport probably thought I was CRAZY because I was literally talking outloud. I finished the entire book at the airport...and it is the best book I've ever read. I'm going to re-read it so that I can let certain parts soak in and make sure I didn't miss anything! Stacey is one extraordinary lady...and a BADDDDD [meaning good] writer! Good luck and I wish you much success.

I loved this book. I initially sat down to read a couple of chapters, and before I knew it, I was through! I thought the book was intelligently written, yet at the same time, it was written in a "down to earth" understandable language where everyone could relate and comprehend. The whole time I was reading, I just kept shaking my head and thinking to myself, "this sister is deep". At times I found myself talking outloud to the book...lots of the stuff I just couldn't believe! This book stirred up a lot of emotions...I often found myself getting angry, crying and even laughing. This is a heavy book and everyone should buy a copy. (I wish I could convey that my momma, my sister and my daddy - because right now it's rotating through my family!)

This is a great anthology on Asian American history that's well worth your time to read!

I am a proud owner of the Big Aiiiieee. It is absolutely refreshing to hear from other voices than the popular writers such as Tan, Kingston, and Hwang. Chin certainly has made many great and valid points. Tan, Kingston, and Hwang, together, represent a body of cultural sensationalism against especially 'Asian American' men. I agree with Chin on many points; however, Tan, Kingston, and Hwang are wholly to be blamed.
First of all, the term "Asian American" should be eradicated. I am not an Asian American. I am a Chinese-Vietnamese American, as specific as that. With that in mind, this anthology is mainly composed of Chinese and Japanese-American perspectives. Where are representational voices of Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, and South Asian people (India, Parkistan, Burma).
Secondly, I agree with Mr. Chin that Tan's and Kingston's portrayal of Chinese culture is primitive and backward. Tan's Joy Luck Club contains lot of images that promote cultural sensationalism and exoticism. For example, An Mei's mother cuts her flesh from her arm and dumps them into her grandmother's soup. The non-asian readers will subsequently thrive on this stereotype and apply it for all "Asians." This is like another form of canibalism. Another example of cultural sensationalism is the uncle eating live, jumping shrimps with his chopsticks (or Did I miss something?). As for Kingston, the Woman Warrior clearly was written with an intention as a feminist piece. Because there is no greatly equal novel to dispute its exaggerated feminism, mainstream readers take this as a true portrayal of Chinese/Asian men -- brutal rapists.
Furthermore and on a positive note, what makes this anthology fresh is the fact that it includes other fresh(not new)but neglected voices such as Louis Chu, John Okana, Monica Sone, Gish Jen, and so on, writers that are not given a fair chance in mainstream publishing.
Finally, I think this is a great anthology. Unfortunately, it does not truly represent me and my Vietnamese American community. What I got from reading this anthology is a sense of freshness as far as perspective is concerned; however, emotionally, I am more identified with Flannery O'connor, Toni Morrison, and Duong Thu Huong.
For those dire fans of Mr. Chin and harsh critics of interracial relationship: He married a caucasian woman, so are some of his colleagues.
Beware of whom you worship!

What gives people like Amy Tan, Maxine Hong Kingston, and David Henry Hwang the right to take my cultural distinctions and cater it to a white audience who want the stereotypical Chinese?! I'm glad Frank Chin exposed these sell-outs in this important book. There are Asians who are far from being these sorts of stereotypes described in the literatures of Tan, Kingston, and Hwang, and these editors prove it. Read this book and you'll find that out yourself.

and I know how much these editors helped my ethnicity in the first Aiiieeeee! These people (Chan, Chin, Inada, and Wong) know their stuff, and they're not ashamed of their cutlure. They are unassimilated, brave, talented, and strong. You would be more proud of your Asian race after reading this book.

Since the publication of this book, it has been criticized for it's "machismo, misogynist" morale. Guess who these criticisms are coming from? White feminists (or those who support them). They cannot look beyond history and textual matter, instead they force and assume their principles and try (and unforunately, they succeeded) to make this a battle of Women's rights. I have read Chin's "Come All Ye Asian American Writers of the Real and of the Fake" and in nowhere is there any misogynistic dictum. Why? Because this isn't a matter of Women's views or MEN'S! It's about history and how it should be interpreted. People like Kingston, Hwang, and Tan want to deconstruct Asian American history. Feminists want to help Kingston's and Tan's deconstructive views by arbitrarily labeling Chin as a misogynist. If Chin or the editors of The Big Aiiieeeee! were misogynist why would they have women writers in this anthology? Just because there aren't that many women writers doesn't mean it's totally and utterly sexist. Could it be because there aren't that many authentic Asian American women writers?! If there are no authentic texts to Asia America, would it hurt to say that stereotypes (or whatever) are actually right?